Being on a condo or co-op board in New York City means juggling big responsibilities—and big personalities. Even the most well-intentioned board can find itself stuck in long meetings, miscommunications, or heated debates.
Conflict is part of the job. But how your board handles it can shape your building’s community, reputation, and overall success. Here are five common conflict scenarios, and how thoughtful, proactive boards resolve them without the drama.
1. The rogue board member
The conflict: One board member starts acting solo—reaching out to vendors, making promises to residents, or skipping over formal votes.
Why it matters: It creates confusion, erodes trust, and can open the board up to legal or financial liability.
How smart boards handle it:
- Revisit your board’s roles and responsibilities, put expectations in writing.
- Address the issue directly and privately.
- Offer leadership or governance training if needed.
- Encourage inclusive processes that give every board member a voice.
2. The meeting that never ends
The conflict: One topic—say, hallway paint—spirals into a 90-minute debate, derailing the entire meeting.
Why it matters: Long, unfocused meetings lead to burnout and decision fatigue. Time is one of your most valuable resources.
How smart boards handle it:
- Set clear agendas with time limits for each item.
- Assign a neutral timekeeper.
- Move recurring debates to a committee with a clear deadline for recommendations.
3. Owners vs. renters tension
The conflict: Some owners want to restrict renters’ access to amenities or their say in building life. Renters feel excluded or overlooked.
Why it matters: These divisions can create resentment and harm the sense of community, especially in buildings with high rental populations.
How smart boards handle it:
- Base rules on behavior and shared standards, not ownership status.
- Communicate openly with all residents.
- Consider inviting long-term renters to join advisory groups or building committees.
4. The silent board member
The conflict: A board member rarely participates, until a major vote comes up.
Why it matters: Uneven engagement puts pressure on others and can stall important decisions.
How smart boards handle it:
- Set clear expectations around attendance and participation (see fiduciary best practices).
- Have a one-on-one conversation to understand any obstacles.
- If the pattern continues, follow your bylaws to address it constructively.
5. Conflicts of interest (real or perceived)
The conflict: A board member suggests a vendor they know personally. Others question whether it’s a fair recommendation.
Why it matters: Even the perception of favoritism can damage trust among residents.
How smart boards handle it:
- Require disclosure of all potential conflicts in writing.
- Ask conflicted members to recuse themselves from related decisions.
- Keep vendor selection processes clear, documented, and unbiased.
Here’s when it’s smart to bring in legal counsel.
Keep your board collaborative, not combative
No board is completely free of conflict. But the most effective ones know how to address it head-on—with clarity, fairness, and teamwork. When boards communicate openly and stay aligned on goals, they’re able to lead with confidence and keep their communities strong. See how other boards run smoother meetings and build stronger communities.
How Daisy helps boards operate together better
A lot of board conflicts stem from lack of transparency, miscommunication, and misalignment. We've helped a lot of boards start working as a team, with the help of the structure and transparency we provide. Watch Kiel and Chris' story, and reach out if you'd like some help!
